There are situations where having your period can be quite inconvenient, whether it's for a special occasion like a wedding, a relaxing holiday, or a romantic weekend getaway. The practice of postponing your period is a common solution and can be accomplished by using Norethisterone 5mg, a synthetic hormone.

You can obtain period delay pills without the need for a prescription through our online doctor service. These pills contain synthetic female hormones. Alternatively, if you're already on the combined contraceptive pill, you can choose to take it continuously without the usual pill-free break to effectively delay your period.

1
Take assessment

Complete a quick assessment form to help us assess your condition.

2
Pharmacist Review

One of our specialist pharmacists will review your assessment .

3
Receive medication

We will delivery the medication to your door.

What is a period?

A period (menstruation) is the monthly shedding of the uterus lining as part of the menstrual cycle. After ovulation, the hormones oestrogen (estrogen) and progesterone build the endometrium to prepare for pregnancy. If no fertilised egg implants, these hormone levels drop and the lining breaks down and leaves the body as vaginal bleeding, typically lasting 3–7 days. It’s a normal sign of reproductive health and fertility.

Some of the most common period symptoms are:
  • Feeling tired.
  • Breakouts (getting pimples)
  • Cramps (pain in your lower belly or lower back)
  • Bloating (when your belly feels puffy)
  • Sore breasts.
  • Mood swings (when your emotions change quickly or you feel sad, angry, or anxious)
What is a period?

How medical treatment can help

Medicines can manage period problems and, when appropriate, delay your period. Norethisterone (a progestogen) is commonly used short-term to postpone bleeding by keeping progesterone levels high; bleeding usually resumes 2–3 days after stopping. It can also help heavy menstrual bleeding, painful periods (dysmenorrhoea), and premenstrual syndrome by stabilising the uterine lining and reducing cramps and mood symptoms. Other causes—fibroids, thyroid issues, bleeding disorders or pregnancy—should be ruled out. If you have very heavy bleeding, severe pain, or new symptoms, speak to your GP for assessment and the right treatment.

How medical treatment can help

FAQs

Can I buy period delay tablets over the counter?

Period delay tablets are not available over the counter. You need to have a prescription to get period delay tablets. You can speak to your GP for a prescription or you can complete our medical assessment online.

This can then be reviewed by our clinitians who will prescribe period delay tablets for you if it is safe to do so.

We may also need to speak to your GP to inform them you have been prescribed this treatment. 

Is delaying your period safe?

Norethisterone is a medicine used to delay periods. It is commonly prescribed for this but should not be used on a regular basis.

It can cause headaches, breast pain and nausea but it can also cause more serious side effects like blood clots. This is why it is not safe for everyone to take, such as women who have had a blood clot in the past.

For a full list of side effects, see the patient information leaflet.

What are the side effects?

Side effects of norethisterone include spotting, headaches, bloating and breast pain. See the patient information leaflet for a full list of side effects. Other, more serious side effects include an increased risk of blood clots.  

Some women do experience side effects, but this is uncommon as the tablets are usually only used for a brief time. Prolonged usage increases the chances of side effects.

How to delay your period?

To delay your period using norethisterone the dose is usually to take one tablet three times a day. Start taking the tablets 3 days before your period is due to start. After stopping the tablets, you should wait around 3 days before you expect your period to start. If you do not have a period after stopping the tablets,

you should check with your doctor if you think you may be pregnant.

Can I get pregnant on norethisterone?

If you use norethisterone to delay your period, it does not act as a contraceptive. This means that you can get pregnant if you have unprotected sex while taking norethisterone.

Who should not take period delay tablets?

Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should not take norethisterone. If you are allergic to the drug or any similar hormone, it cannot be used. If you have suffered from unexplained vaginal bleeding, blood clots, liver, or heart problems you should not take norethisterone.

See the patient information leaflet for a full list of warnings.

How long does it take for your period to come after taking norethisterone?

After stopping period delay tablets, your period should start with 2-3 days.